Hammers welcome Park opening

West Ham United are pleased to herald this week's complete re-opening of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the spectacular setting to house the Hammers from 2016.

West Ham are to take up occupancy of the Olympic Stadium in little more than two years' time, in a Park that is now the dynamic epicentre of east London's regeneration.

As of 10am on Saturday 5 April, the the newly-landscaped south of the Park will open its doors to the general public for the first time since the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Designed by James Corner Field Operations, the south of the Park features an action-packed adventure playground, interactive water fountains and four themed walking trails exploring the key sights of London 2012.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit, the United Kingdom's tallest sculpture at 114.5 metres, is to open for business too, offering an entirely new perspective of London and unrivalled views of the Park.

Together with eight iconic Olympic venues, the beautiful parklands and waterways amount to the perfect day-out destination and one that Vice-Chairman Karren Brady CBE believes will greatly enhance the Hammers' matchday experience when they take up residence in the Olympic Stadium.

The Vice-Chairman said: "The full re-opening of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park marks another major milestone in the regeneration of this part of east London following the hugely successful Olympic Games in 2012.

"Everyone at West Ham United is excited and proud about playing their part in securing this lasting legacy from the Games as we make the stunning new Park our home from 2016. We always knew that the Park would provide a spectacular setting for West Ham supporters to enjoy as part of their unique matchday experience. It will become an unrivalled London and worldwide destination and an unforgettable day out for them and their families.

"In addition to the global appeal of Premier League football, visitors to the park can walk in the footsteps of those who made the summer of 2012 truly unforgettable, while admiring some of the most iconic buildings in the world.

"West Ham United's presence will help ensure a long-term and viable future for the Park, as we bring over a million visitors a year as well as creating at least 700 new jobs for local people. We are now looking forward to working with the residents and businesses that will also call the Park their home to make sure the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a destination people from all over the world will want to visit."

Club-record signing Andy Carrollis excited by what the Park has to offer and is certain that West Ham fans will fully embrace it. The Park's opening serves as a timely reminder of all that the Hammers have to look forward to and Carroll can hardly wait to make Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park home.

He told whufc.com: "I'm sure the public are thrilled that it's all open now and will love going there. I could definitely imagine taking my family and when the sun's out the Park will be absolutely buzzing!

"We've basically got a brand new fan park on our own doorstep and I think our fans will have a great time there. There's loads to do, loads to see and it's just a great place all round to hang out. Not many, if any Clubs can boast those sorts of surroundings.

"The scale of that fantastic Stadium and its surrounds are inspiring and I'm looking forward to taking another look on Wednesday afternoon."

For more information about the opening of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, click here.